MLK Jr. Letter to Late Portsmouth Minister Appraised on 'Antiques Roadshow'

A 1962 letter from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to a civil rights activist in New Hampshire received a high valuation on the popular PBS program.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:14pm

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A 1962 letter from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the late Rev. John Papandrew, a Portsmouth minister and civil rights activist, was appraised at between $20,000 and $30,000 on a recent episode of 'Antiques Roadshow.' The letter, which praised Papandrew's participation in the Albany Movement civil rights initiative, has been a cherished family heirloom for decades.

Why it matters

King's letter to Papandrew provides a rare glimpse into the civil rights leader's personal correspondence with local faith leaders who were actively involved in the struggle for racial equality. The high appraisal value underscores the historical significance of the document and the continued importance of preserving artifacts that chronicle the civil rights movement.

The details

The typed and hand-signed letter, written on Southern Christian Leadership Conference stationery, was sent to Papandrew shortly after the end of the Albany Movement in Georgia. In the letter, King thanked Papandrew for his 'marvelous witness' and 'contribution' to the civil rights initiative, which served as a precursor to the Birmingham Campaign. Papandrew, who was the minister at South Church in downtown Portsmouth at the time, was arrested during a prayer protest in Albany.

  • In October 1962, King sent the letter to Papandrew.
  • Papandrew traveled to Albany, Georgia, alongside other northern clergymen in 1961-1962 to participate in the Albany Movement.

The players

Rev. John Papandrew

The late minister of South Church in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, who was a civil rights activist and member of the American Civil Liberties Union and Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The renowned civil rights leader who served as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference from 1957 until his assassination in 1968.

Jody Papandrew

The daughter-in-law of Rev. John Papandrew, who brought the letter to be appraised on 'Antiques Roadshow.'

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What they’re saying

“The letter is amazing. The content is amazing. That's incredible. I could never have imagined that ... It really just totally overwhelms me when I read the words.”

— Jody Papandrew

“It's such an intense, powerful letter.”

— Catherine Williamson, Appraiser, Julien's Auctions

What’s next

The Papandrew family is considering whether to auction the letter, which was appraised at an insurance value of $50,000.

The takeaway

King's letter to Papandrew serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role that local faith leaders played in the civil rights movement, and the continued need to preserve historical artifacts that document this important chapter in American history.